Protected areas

Many of the best examples of Scotland's nature and landscapes are designated as protected areas. These areas form about 20% of Scotland's land area. These areas are protected to help conserve and enhance our most important habitats, species and landscapes, and to ensure that any proposed changes to them can be considered in advance and if necessary action can be taken to prevent damage or manage change.

There are three levels of protected area:

Internationally important sites

• Natura 2000 sites, designated under European legislation
• Ramsar sites, designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Our role is to designate these sites on behalf of Scottish Ministers and to act as an advisor on the protective regime required by the Habitats Regulations.

Nationally important sites

Sites of Special Scientific Interest, designated by Scottish Natural Heritage. All Scottish public bodies, including Scottish Natural Heritage, have a responsibility for protecting these sites.

National Scenic Areas, designated by Scottish Ministers. Local authorities lead on the care of these areas through the planning system. Scottish Natural Heritage advises on their designation and on some development proposals.

National Parks are designated by Scottish Ministers to help manage large areas of outstanding national natural and cultural heritage importance. They're managed by separate authorities reporting directly to Scottish Ministers.

National Nature Reserves, designated by Scottish Natural Heritage. There are over 50 National Nature Reserves throughout Scotland and these offer some of the best of Scotland's nature and landscapes. They're managed primarily for wildlife and for people to enjoy. Ten National Nature Reserves are owned and managed by Approved Bodies, including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, and Forestry Commission Scotland.

Locally important sites

These include:

• Local Nature Reserves, Country Parks and Regional Parks, designated by local authorities who consult Scottish Natural Heritage on their nature and landscapes interest, development and use.
• Local landscape designations, designated by local authorities, can play an important role in promoting awareness, pride and care of our most valued local landscapes, and also in looking after those which are most vulnerable.

We work closely with managers of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Natura sites. Since 2001, our Natural Care schemes have offered financial support for the management of these sites. Most of these schemes are being phase out, as Natural Care becomes integrated into Rural Development Contracts. 

You can find out more about protected areas through SNHi, including access to site documentation through Sitelink and information on each site through Facts and Figures.

For further information contact John.Burlison@snh.gov.uk 01555 665928